Writing Research Proposals and Research Reports

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Writing Research Proposals and Research Reports

• Meeting 8

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Writing Proposals

• This document convinces the client that the
  research is needed.
• It is a comprehensive compilation of what, why,
  how, when, where and how much.
• Visuals are recommended but not required.
• The report is divided into 8 sections

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1. Proposal Introduction

• Establishes the purpose and importance of the
  research
• Short statement establishes area of concern and
  arouses interest
• States purpose
• Provides rationale for study with logical
  argument and documentation
• Written in third person

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2. Research Question

• Includes the question to which you need answers
  to develop the clients campaign
• Can be general or specific questions
• Include limitations that might hinder the project
  (budget, subjects)

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3. Scope

• Here you discuss the background of the problem to
  include
• What do we already know?
• How does this problem relate to what we already
  know or do?
• Why is this method of investigation better than
  others?

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4. Procedures

• This is a plan for the careful and systematic
  observation of events that explain the following
  items.
• Identification and description of the target
  segment and sampling methods
• Data gathering techniques and design
• Explanation of data analysis
• Proposed time schedule

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5. Budget

• Itemize costs that will be incurred, including
  but not limited to
• Remuneration for subjects
• Cost of professional data collectors
• Cost of outside research company if used
• Equipment or facilities costs

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6. Conclusion and 7. Reference Sections

• 6. Restate the necessity of the research
• 7. Present the cull citations for any data or
  quotations cited in the introduction or scope
  sections

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8. Supplementary Material

• Items that provide the reader with more detail
  without interrupting the flow of the proposal
  such as
• Specifications for equipment
• Instructions for subjects
• Subject consent form
• Raw date from secondary sources or related
  research
• Proposed time schedule for executing research

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Writing Research Reports

• Qualitative research reports are presented in
  storytelling fashion that is easily understood by
  the creative team
• Reports are written immediately after the
  research is conducted for immediacy
• Reports are segmented into six readable sections

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Report Segments 1-3

• Preview - introduces background, situation,
  location and time of investigation.
• Purpose and method - state study objectives and a
  brief explanation of how you went about them
  your role.
• Narrative - story that describes and defines the
  field and its context. Interview testimonials
  (verbatims) and controversial information are
  included here.

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Report Segments 4-6

• 4. Issues - Develop a few key issues researched
  and your understanding.
• 5. Description - Additional information on
  specific issues that include documentation and
  triangulation.
• 6. Assertions - Make your point with
  interpretation and summation that persuades the
  reader of the importance of your discovery.